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Humanities Symposium shines spotlight on student research
by Zac Monnier, Staff Writer
The third annual GSW Humanities Symposium, held on November 10, marked a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to fostering academic discourse and research. Organized under the leadership of Associate Professor Susan Bragg, Ph.D., and receiving substantial support from the Department of History and Political Science, along with the faculty of the American Studies and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies certificate programs, the event stood as a testament to the vibrancy of humanities education at GSW.
Student presentations covered many different topics, including American sports & leisure, politics, communication and social change, race & politics of the African diaspora, and social crises depicted by American pop culture.
The event’s structure facilitated a rich exchange of ideas. A scheduled midday break provided attendees an opportunity to engage with a range of exhibits, further enhancing the educational experience. This interlude also included a panel discussion, allowing for deeper engagement with the subjects at hand. Notably, the faculty from the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program conducted a profoundly moving and inclusive dialogue about the politics of girlhood in the 20th century. This session stood out as a highlight, shedding light on a topic that has often been overlooked in historical discourse.
The symposium’s keynote speech, delivered by Americus Mayor Lee Kinnamon, underscored the enduring relevance of the humanities in all cultural contexts. His insights added a valuable dimension to the event, bridging the gap between academia and civic engagement.
The symposium was only possible due to the generous supports of individuals and groups like Dr. Mark Laughlin & GSW’s College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Glenn Robins & the GSW History & Political Science Department, Mayor Lee Kinnamon, and dozens of other faculty, staff, and community volunteers. Their support was instrumental in bringing this academic event to fruition. The GSW Humanities Symposium not only highlighted the scholarly talents of its students but also reinforced the university’s dedication to the humanities as a vital component of a well-rounded education.
